40 Outfits From 'Friends' We'll Never Forget
I'd wear any of these looks today.
Since its mid-aughts finale, we've been on an unofficial break with Friends. But now, in honor of HBO Max's highly-anticipated Friends reunion—which is bringing together the beloved sixsome on that iconic orange couch for the first time in 17 years—Marie Claire is celebrating, criticizing, and obsessing over the show that was always there for us.
If you grew up on '90s sitcoms like I did, then you started watching Friends before you could really understand what "WE WERE ON A BREAK!" meant. (If this means nothing to you, I recommend watching some episodes, STAT.) Aside from blessing viewers with some of the funniest moments in TV history, Friends has also given us some of the most memorable fashion moments on the small screen—some of which have never seemed more relevant than in 2021. Think crop tops and knitwear and normcore denim, which are still inspiring our wardrobe choices to this day.
Take a stroll down Friends memory lane as we reminisce about all the times Rachel wore the perfect mini skirt and leather boots or that time Monica rocked a red slip dress. Maybe it will inspire you to dig out the forgotten '90s and early-aughts pieces in your closet because mom jeans and scrunchies circa 1998 have never felt more in. Ahead, the most iconic outfits from Friends.
1. "The One With Phoebe's Husband"
Rachel Green rocked the mini skirt and tights combo better than anyone else in the '90s.
2. "The One With Engagement Pictures"
Monica had an effortless and chic wardrobe throughout the entire series and this look was just that. A wrap dress and chic leather boots would be perfect for fall engagement photos even today...we just hope your fiancé knows how to smile.
3. "The One Where Everybody Finds Out"
This orange coat felt like Phoebe in a nutshell: loud, funny, and so cute.
4. "The One Where No One's Ready"
Rachel really could make a paper bag look stunning—she could've gone to Ross's Gala in this crewneck sweatshirt and still rocked it. And, speaking of relevant: The Knicks are finally good again!
5. "The One With East German Laundry Detergent"
This high-waisted jean and knotted crop-top look would not be out of place in today's world.
6. "The One With Phoebe's Husband"
Phoebe's '60s-inspired pink and white shift dress makes her look like an oh-so-chic retro Barbie.
7. "The One With All the Wedding Dresses"
If my best friends don't sit on my couch wearing wedding dresses and drinking beer, I don't want it.
8. "The One With the Breast Milk"
In the show's early seasons, this classic denim overall look was one of Rachel's go-to's. It will give you the perfect "fashionable running errands" inspo.
9. "The One Where No One's Ready"
Phoebe Buffay walked in this stunning yellow gown, so Kate Hudson (a.k.a. Andy Anderson) could run.
10. "The One at The Beach"
Monica's perfectly fitted denim is a great iteration of the Canadian tuxedo.
11. "The One With Ross's Wedding"
The episode should have been titled "The One Where You NEED Rachel's Slip Dress (and whatever else is in her bags)."
12. "The One With Chandler in a Box"
If you can get past Monica's eyepatch, notice how good all the girls' boots are! Rachel's miniskirt-and-boots-combo was one of her go-to looks throughout the show, and now also my go-to.
13. "The One With the Breast Milk"
The only thing better than Monica's simple-but-sexy jeans and top combo in this scene is her haircut.
14. “The One Where Everybody Finds Out”
Who knew head-to-toe velvet could actually work in your favor? And let's give a round of applause for Phoebe and the tattoo choker.
15. “The One That Could Have Been"
I am udderly adoring this cow print coat!
16. "The One With Ross's Wedding, Part 2"
Monica looked stunning in a cowl neck slip dress, which she wore as a bridesmaid in brother Ross's second wedding. (We tracked down a similar dress to shop right now; you're welcome.)
17. “The One That Could Have Been"
Rachel wore the plush teddy bear coat before any of us knew we had to have it.
18. “The One That Could Have Been"
Rachel mixing animal print and color and a stethoscope? Yes, please.
19. "The One Where Rachel Finds Out"
Monica is giving us ultimate girl-next-door vibes with her miniskirt and cropped beige sweater that looks straight out of Urban Outfitters.
20. “The One with Rachel's Crush"
This embroidered LBD-and-tights outfit makes me want to go dumpster diving and look for all the tights I've thrown out.
21. “The One After the Superbowl”
Phoebe proved that you really can wear an oversized sweatshirt or sweater with anything and make it look cool.
22. "The One With Chandler in a Box"
Monica's Chuck Taylors, jeans, and flannel is an ensemble we'd still wear today. The shoes will always be in style and so is working a little grunge into your 2021 outfits.
23. “The One With the Flashback"
Monica reminded us that all we really need is a good pair of Levi's and a knit tank to complete a "night out" look.
24. "The One Where Ross and Rachel ... You Know"
When in doubt, go with the classics, no matter the decade. I can guarantee you a white t-shirt and a good pair of denim will never do you wrong.
25. "The One With the Flashback"
Am I more confused by this Chandler-Rachel kiss, or by how much I'm loving this purple skirt suit?
26. "The One with Rachel's Assistant"
Rachel reminds us all that plaid skirts aren't just for the school yard. Here, she wore it with a green sleeveless turtleneck top while flirting with her assistant, Tag, at work.
27. "The One With the Flashback"
Let's call this "When Phoebe Found Out that Coachella Was Postponed."
28. "The One With the Flashback"
Monica and Joey look like they just stepped out of Grease. I approve of their outfits.
29. "The One With the Halloween Party"
When you're not in the mood to dress up in a ridiculous Halloween costume: Slip on a strapless black dress and say you're channeling Rachel Green from Friends.
30. "The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate"
This Runaway Bride look should be on display in a fashion exhibition. Rachel's wedding dress—which is a whole lot of extra-ness—embodies precisely the gowns that were in style at the time.
31. “The One Where Paul’s The Man”
Hawaiian shirts aren't just reserved for dads drinking beers on vacation. Take a fashion tip from Rachel and style yours unbuttoned with a white tank and cargo pants.
32. “The One With All the Football”
The icons of athleisure: Chandler, Rachel, and Ross look like they're ready to film a TikTok.
33. “The One After Joey and Rachel Kiss”
White jeans and a halter neck top was all I wore in the early 2000s...and all I want to be wearing again this summer.
34. “The One After Joey and Rachel Kiss”
Alternate title: "The One When Things Were Obviously Blooming for Joey and Rachel." The two matched in florals while sharing a romantic scene—coincidence? I think not.
35. “The One with the Lesbian Wedding"
From the '50s to the '90s to today, polka dots for a wedding will never be a faux pas.
36. “The One Where Ross and Rachel...You Know”
I can't decide what I love more in this shot: the scrunchie, the hair clip, or Phoebe's pirate sleeves.
37. "The One After Ross Says Rachel"
The slip dress ruled the '90s and are still reigning supreme decades later. I hope Monica held onto this gem when she moved to the 'burbs.
38. "The One After the Super Bowl Part 2"
How to layer your turtle neck according to Phoebe: wear underneath a black maxi dress and top with multiple long necklaces.
39. “The One With the Screamer”
A.k.a. "The One When Monica Predicted the Color of Fall 2020." Primary colors like this yellow hue popped on the runway in recent seasons and were one of the hottest colors of fall 2020.
40. "The One With the Flashback"
Flashback to the early '90s when the oversized blazer (seen here on a pre-Joey roommate) was a hot trend. You can shop practically the same oversized-suit today!
